Compact articulated lectern for a book, papers or other such articles

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an articulated lectern with panels joined by hinges, with the panels employing a kickstand and keeper holes to adjust height and angularity. The lectern can be made of solid panels or frame panels.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/930,996 filed May 21, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The herein disclosed invention finds applicability primarily in libraries, study halls, churches, schools and other such places where one would read books, and papers and would like a comfortable and convenient support to rest them on while the books or papers are being read.

2. Description of Related Art

In the art in which this invention resides, there are to be found many articulated book stands, but none have the special attributes of the herein disclosed invention which will be described hereafter.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to an articulated stand for holding a book at varying heights, while for example being read from a sitting or standing position as is done in many schools, churches and meeting rooms. The articulated stand will hold a book at various heights, and angles, in relation to a table or surface upon which the stand is placed. The multi-level articulated stand is comprised of three rectangular panels (e.g., a bottom panel, middle panel and top panel) that are lined up in a row longitudinally, and connected with two sets of hinges. The hinges enable these three panels to form a Z-shape; that is align as in a letter Z or to collapse downward for storage, into the position of three boards stacked one on top of the other, as will be explained in the drawings. When the stand is in the Z or elevated position, a book placed on the upper surface of the stand can be retained and read in a position elevated from the table. The stand at top level and lower level are held in different positions by use of two U-shaped brackets as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter. A first bracket is between the top and middle panel, and a second bracket is between the middle and bottom panel. The U-shaped bracket can be made of heavy gauge wire. For each U-shaped bracket, the two ends of the bracket, insert into the sides of a panel. A first set of wire ears of the first bracket inserts into the sides of the top panel, and a second set of wire ears of the second bracket inserts in the sides of the middle panel. Bracket feet or tips can pivot into the holes in which they are inserted to keep the articulated stand elevated to different levels. When the stand is collapsed, the wires fold inward, and rest between the wood panels, as will be explained.

Frame Panels

A second method can be used to attach the brackets to the panels. It is for the articulated stand to be made of frames instead of solid rectangle panels as will be explained in reference to the drawings. The ends of the wires are to be inserted from the inside of a rectangular frame instead of the outside.

There are a few types of wires that can be used in the inside. One is “inside wire” and a second is “inside wire flat” as will be described in the drawings.

These two wires have different ways of being inserted into the multi-level stops. As monitored above, in the first method of attaching kickstand (outside wire) the wire kickstand stubs or feet can be inserted in holes on the top surface of the middle and bottom panels. That is that the tip reaches vertically down into the hole. This means that the length of the stub is perpendicular to the hole opening. This same method is used in “inside wire” type. However, in “inside wire flat”, the wire rests in a groove. This means that the stub is perpendicular to the groove and lies in it (see two types of inside wire in the drawings).

Prior Art Patents of Interest

Campagnoli (2008/0006753) discloses a multi-level articulated notebook display, with angularity being adjusted by inserting a support element into a plurality of ribs or notches.

Hilderbrandt (U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,195) teaches a hinged screen display for a computer. Tilt adjustments are made by rather complicated sets of hinging connections.

Cies (U.S. Pat. No. 6,353,529) is for a multiply pivoted computer housing to be deployed in a Z-shaped configuration; having a hinge system for interconnecting panels. This invention uses a rather complicated set of hinges and hooks to adjust the angularity of the panels.

Ma (U.S. Pat. No. 6,031,714) teaches a multi-section display wherein the sections are adjusted as to angularity by a friction means.

Ranta (U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,050) uses a rather complicated method employing legs and friction-knobs for adjusting for height and angularity of a table surface.

Silverman (U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,661) uses side-holes or an adjusting plate with support arm extensions along with finger-grabs to adjust the height and angularity of a desk stand for a computer.

Silverman (U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,421) teaches a stand for a computer wherein angularity can be adjusted by using a series of side-holes and slots along with frame leg extensions.

Cirami (U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,261) teaches a multi-sectional device wherein angularity is achieved using a complicated hinging arrangement.

Weir (U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,556) teaches a multi-position holder table using a complicated arrangement of locking hinges and braces.

Peacock (U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,123) is for a foldable easel having hinges and positioning slots.

Bush (U.S. Pat. No. 2,331,595) is for a multi-level and multi-position book support using a stud bolt and knurled nut for positioning angularity.

Powell (U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,119) teaches an adjustable inclination reading/writing board which uses a single operating lever and which adjusts by releasing the single operating lever from a series of transverse notches.

Long (U.S. Pat. No. 2,449,492) is for an articulated lectern which employs the thumb nuts to tighten the hinges in a fixed position.

McIntosh (U.S. Pat. No. 1,571,131) teaches a folding drawing table which is adjustable as to angularity using multiple truss components.

Single Panel Devices

Yang (U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,525) is for a reading stand employing support to fit into grooved channels to adjust the angularity of a reading plate.

Domino (U.S. Pat. No. 3,376,009) teaches a reading stand having a rigid wire base with a back support, with adjustment stops to engage an adjustment brace having support arms.

Stillians (U.S. Pat. No. 1,580,344) teaches an adjustable easel having a main frame having a rectangular shape and having corner braces. The side rails of the main frame have apertures to receive a brace and an auxiliary frame with engagement notches to engage said brace which will determine the angularity of the main frame.

Morgan (U.S. Pat. No. 1,457,990) is for a wire display stand formed of three sections of bent wire. The stand having a base wire-portion, and there being a second rectangular frame portion. The stand is capable of being reversed and can display at various angles.

Smith (U.S. Pat. No. 1,203,659) is for a copy holder having a plate to hold copies and a bail having bail arms to be received by rows of lugs which will enable angularity adjustment of the copy holder.

Heath (U.S. Pat. No. 592,780) teaches a book rest wherein a brace and notches determine the angularity of the book rest.

Fleming (U.S. Pat. No. 578,325) is for a desk top wherein angularity is determined by a base frame engaging notches.

Danner (U.S. Pat. No. 289,394) is for a book support wherein angularity is determined by a prop retained by grooves.

None of the prior art patents herein cited show the inventor's novel articulated lectern for holding a book or paper and the like.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

A main object of the invention is to produce an articulated lectern using a minimum number of parts.

A further object of the invention is to produce a lectern of sturdy construction.

A still further object of the invention is to produce a lectern which is easy to use and easy to store.

An important object of this invention is to produce a lectern which in a lower first position will be used while the reader is in the seated position and in the raised second position will be used while the reader is standing.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following specification taken in conjunction with the enclosed drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the multi-level articulated reading stand set on a table surface.

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view thereof showing the placement of the keeper holes.

FIG. 3 is a left side plan view of the reading stand as shown in FIG. 2 with the center panel being a cross-section taken along 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a left side plan view thereof showing the side retaining holes for receiving the wire ears of the kickstand.

FIG. 5 is of the metal rod kickstand.

FIG. 6 is a view of the articulated reading stand in its folded position for storage or easy transport.

FIG. 7 is a view of a two panel device.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective of a frame panel articulated lectern.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view thereof.

FIG. 10 is a view of the frame panel articulated lectern completely unfolded.

FIG. 11 shows a series of wires to be used with frame panels.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-6 there are illustrated view of a compact articulated lectern 10 for a book, papers or other such articles. The lectern 10 is multi-level and articulated and has a top panel 12, with a book-stop 14, a center panel 16 and a bottom panel 18. The top panel 12 and center panel 16; and center panel 16 and bottom panel 18 are joined by hinges 32. Shown also in the figures is a rod kickstand 20 with flexible 26, metal sides 28 and feet 30, shown in greater detail in FIG. 5. The sides of the top panel 12 and the sides of the center panel 16 have holes 22 for receiving inboard ears 24 attached at the top of the kickstand 20 (FIG. 5). Note that the wire of the kickstand 20 is flexible enough to allow the inboard ears 24 to be received by the holes 22 in the sides of panels 12 and 16.

The top panel 12, the center panel 16 and the bottom panel 18 are preferably made of wood, but could be made of plastic, metal or any other-like material. The kickstand 20 is preferably made of metal wire, but can also be made of plastic or other like strong and flexible material.

Note particularly with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 the lectern 10 is in its raised position and can be employed while the reader is standing. By folding in the bottom kickstand into a notch 38 the lectern can be conveniently lowered and used while the reader is sitting.

With reference to FIG. 5 the kickstand has two inboard ears 24, two sides 28 which can be flexed 26 and allow for the inboard ears 24 to be inserted into holes 22 at the edges of panels 12 and 16.

In particular regard to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, surface holes 34 are shown. These holes are oversized and deep to allow for feet 30 of kickstand 20 to enter the hole 34 at an angle, which would not be possible unless the holes were oversized.

An important feature of this invention is the fact that the bottom frame panel 56 of the lectern in this embodiment is longitudinally shorter than the top frame panel 52 and middle frame panel 54. The advantage to this arrangement is that the reader will be in a position closer to the book-stop and the reading material.

With particular reference to FIG. 6 the lectern is shown in its folded position; allowing for easy storage or transportation. Note also that in FIGS. 1 and 6 there is shown a shallow notch 36 in the top panel and the notch 38 in the bottom panel for neatly receiving the kickstand 20 in the folded position (FIG. 6).

An important feature of this invention is the fact that the bottom panel 18 of the lectern in a preferred embodiment is longitudinally shorter than the top panel 12 and center panel 16. The advantage to this arrangement is that the reader will be in a position closer to the book-stop and the reading material.

FIG. 7 describes a modification of the instant invention showing that the kickstand and keeper-hole arrangement can be used in a two panel compact articulated lectern 40 and in other like applications which require adjustable inclination. The lectern 40 is a two panel lectern having a top panel 42 and a bottom panel 44. The top panel 42 and the bottom panel 18 are joined by hinge. Shown also is a rod kickstand 20. There are holes 34 in the bottom panel 44 of the lectern 40. The holes 34 are oversized and deep to allow for feet of kickstand 20 to enter the holes 34 at an angle, which would not be possible unless the holes were oversized.

With reference to FIGS. 8-10 an alternative embodiment of the compact articulated lectern 50 envisions the use of frame panels. There being a top frame panel 52, a middle frame panel 54 and a bottom frame panel 56. The top frame panel 52 and the middle frame panel 54; and the middle frame panel 54 and the bottom frame panel 56 are joined by hinges. The top frame panel 52, the middle frame panel 54 and the bottom frame panel 56 each have through openings. The frame panels are articulated using U-shaped wire kickstands. One type of wire kickstand 70 (FIG. 11B) has a U-shape with outboard ears 60 at the top of the U-shape to be inserted into a plurality of inboard holes 62 in the inner part of the frame; and the bottom of the U-shape has a nipple 64 which extends out beyond the U-shape to attach itself to a keeper slot 66 on the wood frame. There is also contemplated a U-shape kickstand 70 (FIG. 11A) having outboard ears 60 at the top of the U-shape and extended outboard feet 74 projecting outward and downward from the U-shape of the kickstand. The outboard ears 60 attach to the plurality of inboard holes 62 in the frame and the extended outboard feet 74 insert into surface holes 68. The surface holes 68 are oversized and deep to allow for feet of kickstand 70 to enter the surface holes 68 at an angle, which would not be possible unless the holes were oversized. In FIGS. 8-10 the book stop is identified as 58.

The keeper slots 66 and the surface holes 68, in a preferred embodiment, do not extend across the full width of the frame member. This minimizes the thinning of the frame member except in the area of the keeper slots 66 or the surface holes 68. This has the advantage of increasing the strength of the frame member.

The top frame panel 52, the middle frame panel 54 and the bottom frame panel 56 are preferable made of wood, but could be made of plastic, metal or any other material. The kickstand 70 is preferable made of metal wire, but can also be made of plastic or other like strong and flexible material.

With reference to FIG. 11, there is shown a series of wires 11 A-11E which could be used with the frame-lectern 50 of FIGS. 8-10. With particular reference to FIG. 8 and wire kickstand 70 (FIG. 11E) having inboard ears 76 that fits into an outboard holes 78 and having bottom corner angle 80 that fits into keeper slots 66. Wire kickstands 70 (FIGS. 11A-11D) would in a like fashion fit into keeper slots 66 or inboard holes 62 as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

With reference to FIG. 11 there are shown a series of U-shape kickstands 70 designed to articulate a frame lectern 50. FIGS. 11A-11D have outboard ears 60 to fit into an inboard holes 62 in the frame. FIG. 11E has inboard ears 76 to fit in the outboard holes 78 on the outer side of the frame as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. With reference to FIGS. 11A-11E the bottom of the U-shaped kickstand is fashioned with projections to be received in keeper slots 66 or surface holes 68 on the frame surface. Note that FIG. 11A has extended outward feet 74 to be received in the surface holes 68. FIGS. 11B-11C have projections or nipples 64 to be received in notches or keeper slots 66. With reference to FIGS. 11D-11E the bottom corners of the U-shaped kickstand 70 are provided with an indent 80 to be received in keeper slots 66 FIG. 8.

With reference to FIGS. 8-11 attention is brought to the fact that the frame panels are all of equal size and therefore with particular reference to FIGS. 11A-11D where outboard ears 60 fit into the inside portion of the frame there are provided outward projections 64, 74 and 80 to fit in keeper slots 66 on the frame below the outward projections. In this regard particular attention is directed to FIG. 8. An advantage of the frames being of uniform size is economy in manufacture.

There may be a notch in the top frame panel 52 and the notch 38 in the bottom frame panel for neatly receiving the kickstands 70 in the folded position.

Advantages of the Articulated Lectern of This Invention, Over Prior Art

-   -   1. The device is easy to erect and easy to fold down for         storage.     -   2. Can be erected and folded down using one hand.     -   3. The device is lightweight.     -   4. The lectern is easy to manufacture using a minimum number of         parts.     -   5. Has structural rigidity in the erected position, because the         wires of the kickstand are parallel thus giving structural         rigidity.     -   6. Easy to assemble only needing to insert wire nipples in the         keeper holes.     -   7. Wire kickstand is compact and of one piece.     -   8. Holes in sides of panels can be deep to accommodate wire         ears.     -   9. Holes on surface can be oversized and deep to accommodate the         feet of the kickstand which are inserted at an angle.     -   10. There is no deep cross-groove to weaken the panel.     -   11. The lectern of this invention in its lower first position is         convenient when the user is reading in a sitting position and in         its raised position is convenient to use when the reader is in         the standing position.

Obviously, many modifications may be made without departing from the basic spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than has been specifically described herein. 

1. A compact, portable articulated stand for a book, papers or other articles, comprising three respective portions including a base portion, an intermediate portion hingeably connected to the base portion, and a top portion hingeably connected to the intermediate portion, such that the three portions may be unfolded from a compact storage position and articulated into an extended position for use, a first wire member pivotably mounted on the intermediate portion and having respective spaced-apart first stud portions extending substantially perpendicular hereto, the base portion having a pair of openings formed therein for receiving the respective stud portions of the first wire member, thereby articulating the intermediate portion to the base portion, such that the intermediate portion may extend substantially above the base portion, a second wire member pivotably mounted on the underside of the top portion and having respective second stud portions extending substantially perpendicular thereto, and the intermediate portion having a dual set of spaced-apart openings formed therein, one set on each respective side thereof, for receiving the respective second stud portions of the second wire member, thereby adjustably articulating the top portion to the intermediate portion, at a vertically-extended position above the intermediate portion and at a selected angle relative thereto, such that the book, papers or other articles may be placed on the top portion.
 2. The compact, portable articulated stand of claim 1, further comprising a horizontal ledge on the top portion and nearest a user of the stand, thereby preventing the book, paper or other article from sliding off the stand.
 3. The compact, portable articulated stand of claim 1, wherein the bottom hinge is folded allowing for reading in a seated position.
 4. The articulated multi-level lectern of claim 1, further comprising shallow grooves to receive the first and second wire members in their folded positions for storage.
 5. An articulated multi-level lectern for holding books, papers or other articles comprising: a top panel, a middle panel and a bottom panel with the panels being hinged and when in use forming a Z-shaped configuration, the top panel at both side edges being provided with a plurality of first holes for receiving a plurality of first inboard ears of a first kickstand and the middle panel at both side edges being supplied with parallel sets of first keeper holes to receive a plurality of spaced-apart first feet of the first kickstand, the middle panel also being supplied at both side edges with a plurality of second holes for receiving a plurality of second inboard ears of a second kickstand and the bottom panel at both side edges being supplied with parallel sets of second keeper holes to receive a plurality of spaced-apart second feet of the second kickstand, the feet of the first and second kickstands can be placed in any desired set of parallel keeper holes to determine height and angularity of the lectern.
 6. The articulated multi-level lectern of claim 5, further comprising a book stop at the front edge of the top panel.
 7. The articulated multi-level lectern of claim 5, further comprising shallow grooves to receive the first and second kickstands in their folded positions for storage.
 8. An articulated multi-level lectern for holding books, papers or other articles comprising: a top panel, a middle panel and a bottom panel with the panels being frame panels; the bottom panel and the middle panel being hingedly connected and the middle panel and the top panel being hingedly connected; and being articulately connected by a plurality of U-shaped kickstands, each kickstand having either inboard or outboard ears to be joined inboard or outboard, to the top panel and the middle panel, respectively; and at the corners and bottom of each of the U-shaped kickstands there are nipples or indents designed to fit into keeper slots or holes on the surface of the middle panel and the bottom panel, respectively.
 9. The articulated multi-level lectern of claim 8, wherein each of the frame panels have through opening.
 10. The articulated multi-level lectern of claim 9, wherein the opening of the top panel frame has inboard holes to accept the inboard ears of the U-shape kickstand; and the opening of the middle panel frame has inboard holes to accept the inboard ears of the U-shape kickstand.
 11. The articulated multi-level lectern of claim 8, wherein the keeper slots do not extend across the width of the frame member.
 12. The articulated multi-level lectern of claim 8, wherein the surface holes do not extend across the width of the frame member.
 13. The articulated multi-level lectern of claim 8, further comprising a book stop at the front edge of the top panel.
 14. The articulated multi-level lectern of claim 8, further comprising shallow grooves to receive the first and second U-shape kickstands in their folded positions for storage. 